Understanding the Phrasal Verb "Decide On": Meaning and Usage
Welcome, English learners! Phrasal verbs can be tricky, but they are essential for sounding natural and fluent. Today, we're going to explore a very common one: decide on. Understanding how to use decide on correctly will significantly improve your ability to express choices and agreements. This post will guide you through the various meanings of decide on, its grammatical structures, related vocabulary to help you make a decision, and opportunities to practice. By the end, you'll feel more confident incorporating this versatile phrasal verb into your everyday English conversations.
Table of Contents
- What Does Decide on Mean?
- Structure with Decide on
- Related Phrases and Synonyms
- Practice Time!
- Conclusion
What Does Decide on Mean?
The phrasal verb decide on primarily means to make a choice or selection from several possibilities, often after careful consideration. It implies a process of evaluation before a final conclusion is reached. Essentially, when you decide on something, you are choosing it specifically.
More: Deal With: A Comprehensive Guide to the English Phrasal Verb
Structure with Decide on
Understanding the structure of decide on is key to using it correctly. This phrasal verb can be used in slightly different contexts, each with its typical sentence pattern. Let's explore the main meanings and their structures.
Meaning 1: To choose something from a number of possibilities after careful thought.
This is the most common usage of decide on. It emphasizes the act of selection after considering various options.
- Structure: Subject + decide on + noun (phrase)
- Example 1: After much discussion, we finally decided on a name for our new puppy.
- Example 2: She couldn't decide on which dress to wear to the party, as both were beautiful.
Meaning 2: To agree on something, often with other people.
This meaning highlights a collective agreement or a resolution reached by a group.
- Structure: Subject + decide on + noun (phrase)
- Example 1: The committee members need to decide on a date for the next meeting.
- Example 2: After hours of negotiation, the two companies decided on the terms of the contract.
Meaning 3: To choose a particular course of action or plan.
Here, decide on is used when selecting a specific action or strategy to follow.
- Structure: Subject + decide on + gerund (verb-ing) / noun (phrase representing an action)
- Example 1: They decided on taking the scenic route, even though it was longer.
- Example 2: We've decided on investing more in renewable energy sources for our future projects.
Using decide on appropriately involves picking the right structure for the intended meaning. Remember that the object of decide on is the thing that is chosen or agreed upon. This phrasal verb is inseparable, meaning "decide" and "on" always stay together when used in this context.
More: Understanding 'Deal in': Meaning and Usage of the Phrasal Verb
Related Phrases and Synonyms
Expanding your vocabulary with synonyms and related phrases can make your English sound more varied and sophisticated. While decide on is specific, several other words and phrases convey similar meanings. Here are some common synonyms for decide on, along with explanations and examples:
| Synonym | Explanation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Choose | To select something from a number of possibilities. | She had to choose between two job offers. |
| Select | Similar to choose, often implying careful thought. | The panel will select the winner next week. |
| Settle on | To finally choose something after a lot of thought or discussion. | We finally settled on a blue color for the car. |
| Opt for | To make a choice, especially from a range of options. | He opted for an early retirement. |
| Determine | To officially decide something, often after research or calculation. | The judges will determine the final score. |
While these synonyms can be used in place of decide on in some contexts, subtle differences in meaning or formality might exist. For instance, determine often implies a more formal or official decision-making process. Settle on often suggests that the decision was made after some difficulty or indecision, similar to how one might decide on a challenging option.
Understanding these nuances will help you select the most appropriate word for your sentence. Paying attention to how native speakers use these words will also improve your intuitive grasp of their usage.
More: Understanding 'Dash off': How to Use the Phrasal Verb Correctly
Practice Time!
Now it's time to check your understanding of decide on! Read each question carefully and choose the best answer.
Question 1: Which sentence uses "decide on" correctly to mean choosing an option? a) They decided to on the red car.
b) We need to decide on a vacation destination soon.
c) She decided the blue shirt on.
d) I decide on to go home early.
Correct answer: b
Question 2: "The board of directors will __________ the new CEO next month." Which phrasal verb best fits the blank if they are making a choice after consideration? a) decide to
b) decide off
c) decide on
d) decide with
Correct answer: c
Question 3: What is the typical structure when "decide on" means choosing a course of action using a verb? a) Subject + decide on + infinitive (to + verb)
b) Subject + decide on + past participle
c) Subject + decide on + gerund (verb-ing)
d) Subject + decide + gerund (verb-ing) + on
Correct answer: c
Question 4: "After looking at many paint samples, we finally _________ a light green for the living room." a) decided to
b) chose to
c) decided on
d) settled to
Correct answer: c
How did you do? Review any questions you got wrong and try to understand why the correct answer is the best fit. Practice is key to mastering phrasal verbs like decide on.
Conclusion
Mastering phrasal verbs like decide on is a significant step in your English learning journey. As we've explored, understanding its various meanings—choosing from possibilities, agreeing with others, or selecting a course of action—and its grammatical structures allows for more precise and natural communication. Remember to practice using decide on in your own sentences and conversations. The more you use it, the more comfortable you'll become! Keep learning and don't be afraid to make decisions with your English!